Matt Chapman smashed a grand slam early in the game, guiding the struggling San Francisco Giants to a 5-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.
Before this victory, the Giants had been facing a tough time, losing eight of their last 11 games. They were also struggling to score runs, averaging less than three in their past 15 games. However, Chapman’s home run in the first inning changed the game’s dynamics against Nick Lodolo (3-2).
“It’s really significant,” Chapman remarked. “We’ve been putting in a lot of effort lately, not playing our best baseball. So, taking an early lead like that was crucial. I believe we can build on today’s performance.”
With two outs, Chapman stepped up and sent the ball soaring over the left-center fence, giving the Giants a commanding 4-0 lead.
Mason Black, making his home debut, held the lead by conceding just one run in 4 1/3 innings. He gave up a solo homer to Elly De La Cruz in the fourth.
“When you get such a lead, it eases the pressure on the team,” Chapman added. “Being up 4-0 doesn’t guarantee a win, but it certainly gives you a comfortable cushion.”
The Giants bullpen took over from there, securing the win and sending the Reds to their ninth loss in ten games.
Taylor Rogers (1-1) entered the game in the fifth with two runners on base. He escaped the situation by striking out pinch-hitter Stuart Fairchild with the bases loaded, earning the win.
Black received assistance from outfielder Heliot Ramos, who threw out two runners attempting to stretch hits into doubles from right field and later made a diving catch in left field during the fifth inning.
